Correspondence

• 1916 March 17 (Creation)

2 pages

H.L. Loucks talks of his manuscript to R.F. Pettigrew, which has become something of a burden for him. Loucks also continues to talk of starting a new party, which will give them both leverage in the political realm. For now, Loucks determines that they ought to remain quiet and simply wait.

TRANSCRIPT

(1916)
March 17th.
My dear Pettigrew,

Many thanks for yours of the 14th.

I have not taken any of the Magazines lately. I bought the March number for the Industrial report, but have not taken time to read it yet.

I do not want to distract my mind beyond the current news, from my present work, for somehow I feel that I have a message for the American people, but more especially for the students of political economy.

I must also figure to get some compensation out of it. Thus far it has been all outgo, and it has become embarrasing. Now just what will be the best method is the question. There are plenty of avenues for publication if furnished free. I could get an immense circulation, BUT—
I will be very glad to have you write to Pearsone, or any other parties you may think of.

As the Appeal to Reason is making another drive for the farmers I have written to them, but they are the only ones.

I think there are few publishers that would dare publish my book as I would like to put it out.

I am enclosing you three more chapters which with my criticisms of Administration Rural Credit bill, should be enuf on that line.

There has been so much interest created in the Rural Credits fake over 200 bills introduced in Congress, that it should be featured quite fully. Now when you have time to go over the manuscript, I think it would be well to go over them in about the following order:-
I mean Rural Credits only:-

"Origin & Objects of Rural Credits”
"What State aid has done for Agriculture”
“Why change on rural Credits?”
“What was promised for Rural Credits”
“A Federal investment Bank, or Board”
“Suggestions for State Administration”
“Criticism of Administration R. C. bill,”

And I think perhaps that should come at the conclusion of the book.

I am sorry to have to send you a carbon copy, but I have no help, and I am keeping the originals for the printer.

I have been treatened more or less with the Grippe, and cannot put in full time, so progress is slow, and I think I should get it off before the first of May.

The last lot of leaflets came, and they will be plenty. Thank you

I have been inclined to oppose a constitutional convention because of our lack of organization, and I think you will find the point you mentioned covered in the amendment enacted at the special session of the Legislature. If we want a constitutional convention, all we need do is keep quiet. The other fellows want it to amend so as to make it harder to change. But if we strike out for the organization of a new party, this year as I think we should, then we will have something to work with. We simply must have an organization of some kind to work with, and working to a common purpose.

Sincerely yours,

H. L. Loucks

• Progressivism (United States politics)
• South Dakota -- Politics and government

• Loucks, Henry L. (Henry Langford) 1846-1928 (Subject)
• Pettigrew, Richard F. (Richard Franklin) 1848-1926 (Subject)

• Letters
• Correspondence